Washington Island Campground in Door County

Our family decided to stay at Washington Island Campground when we wanted to stay on Washington Island, located in Door County Wisconsin. It is the perfect location for camping in Door County. When researching Door County camping we found many options. The draw of Washington Island in Wisconsin is the beaches and parks and of course beautiful Lake Michigan.

Thank you to Washington Island Campground for hosting us, all of our opinions are our own.

We find camping as a perfect family activity. Deciding on a campground is a very complicated process for families.  Sometimes we want a resort feel, sometimes we want a middle of nature feel. This time, as we were planning, we decided on not only the nature feel but also a small-town Fourth of July feeling.  Washington Island was the perfect choice for our family.

Washington Island Campground Beautiful Sites

 As we pulled into Washington Island Campground we honestly thought we were at a state park.  We found our campsite to have trees and foliage between us and the other campers. It was awesome to be able to hang hammocks, and have space around our camper. The woods are truly beautiful. We felt like we were in the middle of a Wisconsin State Park.  Washington Island Campground has a variety of campsites. The Tent sites can be rustic and set back or can accommodate a group. The RV sites can handle RVs up to any size. 

Washington Island Campground Equestrian Sites

We can honestly say that we have never been at a campground with horse sites.  These sites are set off to the side of the campground but are just as beautiful.  There were a few horses present which is so fun to watch.  

Washington Island Campground Swimming Pond and Inflatables

The campground has its own swimming pond with inflatables.  The boys enjoyed the slide the most. The climbing inflatable was fun too.  Neither could resist playing in the sand and building sandcastles. Our family believes a swimming area is absolutely critical to a campground.  We tend to look for a sandy beach, kayak rentals, or inflatables. An exclusion to having a beach is when there are beautiful beaches nearby. Washington Island Campground not only has the beach and inflatables but also has beautiful beaches nearby.

Washington Island Campground Rental Cabins

Whenever we are planning a camping trip with a group of families there are always a few that would like to stay in a cabin.  This campground is unique because campers have to pay extra for the ferry if they bring a camper. The cabins are a great way to not pay the extra ferry fee but have a camping experience.  There are a variety of cabins available at Washington Island Campground. There are basic, deluxe and premium cabins that will meet any family needs. We were unable to see inside any of the cabins.

Lodge

The campground lodge includes the camp store, game room, showers, and a gathering area.  Our favorite part of the lodge was sitting at the huge table and playing a board game. The game closet has plenty of games to choose from.  The table is so large that other people were also playing games, or on their laptops…yup free wifi in the lodge! We had perfect weather throughout our week on the island, but the lodge would be the perfect place to wait out a storm while having fun with your family.

Gameroom

Our boys loved the game room.  There were plenty of little prize games to keep them entertained for an hour or so, then the pool table and a few extras made it tons of fun.  It’s the perfect way for the family to get in showers while the others play games. Here is a family secret we use when traveling with our kids, each child must save their own money for games, extra treats or purchases.  They make much better spending decisions when it is their own money. I never have to hear “Mom, can we have money for games?”

Improvements

The campground is improving as they hear more and more from campers.  The mini-golf is under construction but can be played. With kids our age, it was a nice independent activity they could do.  We can’t wait to see the new mini-golf! The owners also said they are working on upgrading the bathrooms, as we know bathrooms are a top concern for campers.

Washington Island Beaches

While at the campground you will find many things to do on the property, but if you travel all the way to Washington Island, you will most likely be spending time exploring the island.  We recommend our favorite beaches School House Beach and Percy Johnson County Park.

When we arrived at School House Beach we found a small parking lot but plenty of parking under the pines.  We packed our towels, snorkeling equipment, floating toys, beach chairs, and snacks! The most important thing to know about School House Beach is that there is no sand! Nope, it is smooth limestone and each and every stone is protected by the law.  There is a huge fine for even taking one stone, read the rules of the beach! School House is a beautiful beach that your family will love. As with any Lake Michigan beach, the water is always a little chilly, but kids don’t seem to care at all!

Our second recommendation for beaches while staying at Washington Island Campground is Percy Johnson, County Park.  We loved the park with picnic tables, grills, and even a campfire ring. The boys liked pumping the old-time water pump to get a drink.  The sandy beach is beautiful! The kids and the dog loved playing in the sand and water. A young family set up their beach tent with a camp stove, and supplies for making dinner.  They were in for the long haul and were probably staying till sunset.

Things to do on Washington Island with Kids

Check out 15 Things to do on Washington Island Click Here

There are so many things to do on Washington Island with kids.  This is the perfect vacation location for your family. We know our readers love to find unique experiences for their families, well this is it!  Here is a great list of things to do while you are visiting Washington Island Campground. You can check even more out here.

Our kids’ favorite place is the Nature and Art Center.  They have a live indoor beehive ( no worries it is sealed and has a tube that goes outdoors.)  It is the coolest thing to watch as all the bees work hard to make honey. It is like a Where’s Waldo book, looking for the queen bee.

Don’t leave the island without stopping for gelato at Susie’s Sweets.  This is a family run business, actually, most are on the island, where the parents and kids work scooping gelato and selling “penny” candy!

Go to Kap’s Marina to rent a small fishing boat and take the kids out fishing, or sightseeing.  After all, this is an island! Kap’s has live and artificial bait if you are interested in fishing.  They will help you layout your island voyage.

The Washington Island Farm Museum will take your family back in time to the farms from “the old days.”  With a blacksmith shop, buggies, family homes, and more your family can experience what it was like to farm. There are special events throughout the summer, so make sure you check the schedule.